Thomas has now withdrawn that threat and former acting chairman Murphy is confident no legal action will be taken.

"There is no pending legal action. We will produce the report by the end of September," Murphy said.

Among the other issues discussed by the council, it was announced that an independent director would be added to the board, that an independent auditor would be employed to look at RFU corporate governance, and that a new chief executive should be appointed by Christmas.

Steele, and the Union's board, received strong criticism for their handling of the recruitment of a performance director - a role which is now likely to be scrapped.

Sir Clive Woodward, who won the World Cup as England coach in 2003, was favourite for the job but ruled out a return to the RFU in May as reports emerged of a boardroom power struggle at Twickenham.

Blackett undertook a comprehensive review of the recruitment process after the debacle and is thought to have recommended that the RFU board resign.

Murphy says the members of the board have accepted Blackett's review but have no intention of resigning.

"No, none whatsoever," he insisted.

"There is a statement from everyone saying they accept the recommendations. We hope this is the beginning of closure of this issue now.

"We want to be focused on supporting the England team in New Zealand at the World Cup."